More than 300 United Methodists from Ohio gathered at Worthington United Methodist Church for a day of thanksgiving, unity, and hope. Representing the Ohio Episcopal Area, which includes both the East and West Ohio Conferences, participants came together to celebrate their shared faith and mission.

The event’s theme, rooted in Romans 5:1-5, emphasized hope, endurance, and the transformative power of God’s love. These principles served as a lens for exploring The United Methodist Church’s mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Rev. Dr. Paul Chilcote: Guest Speaker

Rev. Dr. Paul W. Chilcote, a renowned scholar of Wesleyan theology and Christian discipleship, delivered two inspiring keynote addresses.

“Our DNA as Methodists orients us naturally to spiritual renewal,” Chilcote shared. “The Wesleyan way of renewal entails our engagement with practices that deepen our love of God and neighbor. Our partnership with God in God's good work in the world carries us toward the goal of beloved community.”

Chilcote reminded the gathering, “As United Methodists, we have a future filled with hope because we draw from a deep well of spiritual insight and practice.”

A Time of Worship and Healing

Worship throughout the day was rich with scripture readings, prayers, and songs centered on lament, healing, unity, and hope.

“We come together with new hope and fresh dreams after the challenges of the last several years,” said Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, reflecting on the global pandemic and church disaffiliations. “We declare together that we are a new United Methodist Church, renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Bishop Jung challenged attendees to focus on the church’s mission.
“We must think less about shaping the church to suit our preferences and more about how it can share the Good News with a world desperately in need of Christ’s love.”

A sacred highlight of the day was the practice of Tongsung Kido (tong-sung ghee-do), a Korean tradition where individuals pray aloud simultaneously. Voices lifted together in heartfelt petitions created a powerful moment of connection.

“As someone who grew up as a preacher’s kid in East Ohio and now lives and serves in West Ohio, it was just wonderful to be part of this day of unity where we could all come together and begin living into what it means to be a new United Methodist Church,” said Andrew Gifford.

As the day concluded, Bishop Jung encouraged those gathered: “I have great confidence in you, Ohio Land, that you will continue your impressive outreach to the lost, the least, and the last. Together, we will make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

Voices of Unity

Participants from both East and West Ohio shared their reflections on the day.

"It was a day of joy, spirit, hope, compassion and love. It was a life-giving event," said Judith Nedel, East Ohio.

"This event was refreshing and enlightening. We are opening up to new possibilities," said Les Hall of West Ohio.

“I feel like The United Methodist Church is on the verge of renewal. This was a Spirit-led event in which we embraced the love of Christ, bringing all together in unity,” Rev. Dr. Stephen J. Kniseley, East Ohio.

‘The bishop's day of unity was such a good and hopeful gathering.  It was a gift to gather for worship, prayer, learning and fellowship and lean into the promise that God is doing a new thing in Ohio land” Rev. Amy Aspey, West Ohio.

“After today, I am hopeful if we hold fast to, and put into practice (at all levels) the things that we heard and celebrated today, we have a plan to move forward in unity not only in Ohio, but also in the UMC,” Rev.  Jennifer Darling-Mellott, East Ohio.

 “All the energy, all the joy, it was a beautiful and inspiring day,” Mary Scott, West Ohio.

 “My dream for The United Methodist Church is to be the most loving community that any people in our communities have ever witnessed,” he said. “If you want to find love, go to The United Methodist Church. We can do this! There’s no barrier to us becoming that loving community.” Rev. Dr. Paul Chilcote.

The gathering was a reminder of the strength in unity and the shared mission of Ohio United Methodists to embody hope and love in their communities and beyond.